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medical marijuana, steroids, or surgery?


Fri, June 15, 2018 12:32 PM

Hi all, brief history: I was diagnosed with UC in '99 when I was 16, had complete colectomy w/temproary ileostomy, then j-pouch, then j-pouch reversal and permanent ileostomy. For many years I battled obstructions & adhesions, which is why I had to go to a permanent ileostomy.

Since that happened in 2011, I had been somewhat symptom free. I had to have a cholecystectomy and had a few battles with pancreatitis. For the past year, my chronic pain has been getting worse. I was hospitalized last month because the pain was unbearable. My GI thinks that I was misdiagnosed with UC, and I may have Crohn's.

I've had CT scans, MRI's, endoscopies, and all they have found was gastritis in my stomach. I've dealt with SEVERE pain in the past- this is not JUST gastritis. My GI doesn't really know what to do, so he told me to consider going to a pain management dr. Or possibly my colorectal surgeon for exploratory surgery because he said it may be adhesions.

My question is, should I try medical marijuana? It's very expensive in NY, but I've heard nothing but good things about it. I don't want to try steroids or other Crohn's-related medications, because we don't know for sure what's causing the pain. I was thinking about meeting with my colorectal surgeon to see what his opinion is, but I'm worried that he may just want to do surgery. Or put me through all of the same tests again. I have an appointment with a pain management dr on the 26th, have a f/u wth my GI in 2 weeks, and am going to schedule an appointment with my colorectal surgeon.
 

I can't afford to take time off of work, as I am a commission-only employee. Has anyone had similar stories? i.e. undiagnosed pain. And do you think I should consider medical marijuana and accepting the fact that they may never find the source of my pain? Thanks for reading this, I know it's a long post...

FPO joshesteinberg
Joined Jun 15, 2018

Tue, July 24, 2018 10:42 PM

Reply posted for joshesteinberg.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 1994. At the time I was on all sorts of meds and steroids. I decided to quit my pain meds and started smoking pot. I switched my diet to a anti inflammatory diet. I immediately went into remission. I have been symptom free for over 20 years and have never had surgeries. I haven’t treated with pot or medication since 1998. My last 5 colonoscopies were normal. I continue with a strict diet. There are some things I will never eat.. sugar, fried foods, ice cream etc. If it were me making the decision I would try the medical marijuana as it seemed to help put me in remission, I stay in remission with my diet. Good luck!

FPO TheBotanist
Joined Jul 24, 2018

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